Reviews by verbaljazz

Pure classic. The production, the songs, the cultural impact.

When do we separate the art from the artist? How could the person responsible for this sublime record be such a contemptible jerk? There isn't a skip on this record and every song is the work of a craftsman in peak form.

The best live albums and best concerts aren't note for note recreations of an artist's catalog. They reimagine the songs and explore the possibilities of the music. Sometimes that disappoints fans who go to the concert expecting the hits, or people who like "songs" but don't really care about "music." Made in Japan is an epic exploration of music that transcends the actual "songs" in Deep Purple's catalog.

Kids has a memorable hook. Other than that, this is pretty forgettable.

When I want to get an earworm stuck in my spouse's head, "Karma Chameleon" is my go-to track. It's such a well-crafted pop song. I'm old enough (b. 1972) to remember when Culture Club burst onto the scene. Boy George's cross-dressing queerness was anathema to an era of hyper-masculinity. In many ways he paved a path for, if not acceptance, then visibility. Mostly passable pop; nothing spectacular.

Everything in it's right place here. An absolute masterpiece.

Talking Heads is a band I want to, but just can't quite, love. They have a catalog of great songs. This album got better with a second listen. The musicianship is fantastic. Tina Weymouth is an underrated bass player; she adds so much depth to these songs.

A true disappointment. The Casio-like synth arrangements sound incredibly dated. When You See A Chance and Night Train are great songs. The rest grew on me upon a second listen. Except for Dust, which is a treacly way to end an album. I'd love to hear these songs played with a real piano or Hammond B3 organ.

Led Zeppelin was one of my favorite bands in high school. When I started playing guitar I wanted to play like Jimmy Page. Zep II is a true classic and often considered the "heaviest" Led Zeppelin album. John Paul Jones is so underrated: the bass lines add so much depth to songs like "What Is And What Should Never Be," "Living Loving Maid," and "Ramble On." This album has everything a teenage boy could want: sex, Lord of the Rings references, sloppy guitar solos, killer riffs, and utter bombast.

I'm not the best judge at evaluating what is "good" rap. Sure, I have my preferences, but rap is not a genre I ever fully committed to. That said, evaluating a rap album seems anathema to me. Knowing that Illmatic is not necessarily the style of music I would listen to, how should I judge it? Lyrical fluidity: the best rappers can amaze you with their rhyme schemes. Nas scores highly here. Choice of music: again this scores highly here. Window into an experience removed from my own: again, scores highly.

This is a delightful surprise. I only knew of Youssou N'Dour from the Peter Gabriel song "Shaking the Tree." The music and the rhythms are excellent.

This could be an album I could really get into with repeated listening. I like the interplay of the instruments, particularly the traditional sounds.

The ending jam on this album is phenomenal. Had to listen on YouTube unfortunately.

Bowie was never complacent. He would often explore new territories and personas with each album.

Kate Bush needs to be listened to multiple times. Her songs diverge from what you think a pop song is supposed to be. She's a true pioneer of the artform.

I'd forgotten how many memorable songs were on this album. The Cars were a pretty solid band.

Typical late '90s alt-rock. Loud guitars, so-so singing. Nothing memorable.

Not as incredible as "OK Computer" or "Kid A" but this album has some great songs:

Planet Telex
The Bends
High and Dry
Fake Plastic Trees
Just
Street Spirit (Fade Out)

Tight songwriting. Well-told stories. Great voice. Everything a country record should be.

If they removed any attempt at singing this would be a halfway decent album. This is a product of its time and will hopefully stay there.